Treatment table

ABSTRACT

A therapeutic table having a stationary support and a top mounted to the support for reciprocation longitudinally between limit positions cooperates with traction apparatus mounted to the support for periodically applying traction to a patient lying on the table. The table is reciprocated by a motor which is powered through a timer switch capable of being preset to various time intervals. In one embodiment, a control circuit having a selector switch and a pair of limit switches cooperates with the timer to arrest motion of the table at one or the other of its limit positions at the completion of a time period so that the patient is not under traction at the completion of a period of treatment. In another embodiment, a pair of limit switches are connnected to auxiliary timers which operate to arrest motion of the top for relatively short periods of time within a longer period as determined by a master timer so that the patient undergoes sustained traction and/or relaxation for short time intervals within the overall period of treatment. The table top has an elongated aperture through which a series of rollers protrude for engaging the patient to effect a therapeutic action as the table reciprocates. The therapeutic action is augmented by a heating element which is mounted below the rollers for applying heat through the aperture and to the patient. In addition, there is provided means to vibrate the top as it reciprocates. An elongated filler block is provided for insertion in the aperture to convert the top into a manipulating surface. A pair of brackets are mounted on opposite sides of the support, and each bracket has a series of sockets for receiving leg roller stanchions so that the position of the leg rollers may be adjusted longitudinally of the table.

United States Paten [1 1 Hill [451 Aug. 20, 1974 TREATMENT TABLE [75]Inventor: Howard A liill, Malvem, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Hill Laboratories Company,

Malvern, Pa.

22 Filed: Apr. 2, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 346,897

Primary ExaminerLawrence W. Trapp Attorney, Agent, or Firm-J-lowson &Howson [57] ABSTRACT A therapeutic table having a stationary support anda top mounted to the support for reciprocation longitudinally betweenlimit positions cooperates with traction apparatus mounted to thesupport for periodically applying traction to a patient lying on thetable. The table is reciprocated by a motor which is powered through atimer switch capable of being preset to various time intervals. in oneembodiment, a control circuit having a selector switch and a pair oflimit switches cooperates with the timer to arrest motion of the tableat one or the other of its limit positions at the completion of a timeperiod so that the patient is not under traction at the completion of aperiod of treatment. In another embodiment, a pair of limit switches areconnnected to auxiliary timers which operate to arrest motion of the topfor relatively short periods of time within a longer period asdetermined by a master timer so that the patient undergoes sustainedtraction and/or relaxation for short time intervals within the overallperiod of treatment. The table top has an elongated aperture throughwhich a series of rollers pro trude for engaging the patientto effect atherapeutic action as the table reciprocates. The therapeutic action isaugmented by a heating element which is mounted below the rollers forapplying heat through the aperture and to the patient. In addition,there is provided means to vibrate the top as it reciprocates. Anelongated filler block is provided for insertion in the aperture toconvert the top into a manipulating surface. A pair of brackets aremounted on opposite sides of the support, and each bracket has a seriesof sockets for receiving leg roller stanchions so that the position ofthe leg rollers may be adjusted longitudinally of the table.

15 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PMEMEB AUG 2 01935 PISA.

PATENIEU 3.830.233

v samuorq TREATMENT TABLE The present invention relates to tables foruse in treating the human body, and more particularly, the presentinvention relates to treatment tables which are designed to applytraction and other therapeutic action to the human body.

In U.S. Pat. No. 2,882,805, owned by the assignee of the presentapplication, there is disclosed a treatment table which is designed toapply traction to the human body. The table includes a stationarysupport and a top mounted to the support for reciprocationlongitudinally between limit positions. Traction apparatus which iscapable of being mounted at either end of the table is provided. The topis reciprocated by an electric motor which is powered through a timerswitch so that the top reciprocates for pre-selected periods of time.Thus, when the traction apparatus is secured to a patient lying on thetable, the patient undergoes alternating periods of tension andrelaxation as the top reciprocates between its limit positions.

Although the above-described treatment table operates satisfactorily, ithas been observed that there may be occasions on which the patient is ina state of tension when the timer interrupts power to the motor and thetop stops reciprocating. If an attendant is not present to properlydeactivate the traction apparatus, constant traction may be applied tothe patient for an undesirable amount of time. Since excessive tractionis to be avoided, it is desirable for such a treatment table to beprovided with means to return the top to a limit position whichcorresponds to an untensioned or relaxed state for the patient. It isalso desirable for a table having a reciprocating top to be providedwith means for arresting motion of the top at either of its limitpositions for relatively short time intervals within the overalltreatment period so that the patient undergoes sustained short periodsof traction and/or relaxation.

ln U.S. Pat. No. 2,781,040, which is also owned by the assignee of thepresent application, there is disclosed a treatment table having a topwith an elongated aperture through which a set of rollers protrude forapplying a rolling action against the back of a patient lying on thetable to effect a therapeutic action as the top reciprocates relative tothe rollers. Although such a table operates satisfactorily, a treatmenttable which possesses both a safety control circuit and means forapplying heat to the patient as the top reciprocates would provide animproved therapeutic action. Moreover, a treatment table having readilyaccessible brackets for adjustably mounting leg rollers is also highlydesirable.

With the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object of the presentinvention to provide a treatment table having traction apparatus and areciprocating top with novel means for returning the top to one of itslimit positions at the completion of a preselected period of time sothat a patient lying on the table is not under traction when the topceases to reciprocate at the completion of the time period.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improvedcontrol circuit for use in a treatment table to permit an attendant toselect the home position of a reciprocating table top.

As a further object, the present invention provides means for arrestingmotion of a reciprocating table top at one or the other of its limitpositions for preselected periods of time during an overall treatmentperiod so that a patient lying on the top undergoes relatively shortperiods of traction and/or relaxation.

As another object, the present invention provides means for applyingheat to a patient lying on the top of a table having safety controlmeans of the type disclosed.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide atreatment table having safety control means of the type disclosed withretractable body-engaging rollers which project through an aperture inthe top of the table and which cooperate with a removable filler blockto enable the table to be converted into a manipulating surface when therollers are not in use.

As a still further object, the present invention provides a pair ofbrackets which are mounted on the sides of a treatment table of the typedisclosed for receiving leg roller stanchions in a manner which permitsthe position of the leg rollers to be adjusted longitudinally of thetable.

More specifically, the present invention provides a treatment tablewhich includes a stationary support and a top mounted to the support forlongitudinal reciprocation by an electric motor. The top cooperates withtraction apparatus for applying tension periodically to a patient lyingon the table as the top reciprocates between its limit positions. In oneembodiment, control means is provided for arresting motion of the top atone of its limit positions after a predetermined period of time so thata patient undergoing periodic traction is in an untractioned conditionwhen the top stops reciprocating. The control means includes a pair ofnormallyclosed limit switches mounted in spaced relation to the supportand engageable by an actuator which depends from the top. The switchesare periodically opened as the top reciprocates between its limitpositions, and a variable timer switch is connected in a circuit withthe motor and the limit switches so that one or the other of the limitswitches powers the motor until engaged by the actuator after the timerswitch interrupts power to the motor. A selector switch is alsoconnected in the circuit to permit an attendant to select which of thelimit switches is to control the motor and hence to determine the homeor terminal position of the table. The selector and limit switches alsopermit an attendant to displace the top of the table from one limitposition to another without actuating the timer switch. In anotherembodiment, the control means includes a pair of limit switchesconnected to a pair of auxiliary timers each of which is capable ofactuating a control relay to deenergize the motor for a relatively shorttime period to cause the patient to undergo relatively short periods oftraction and/or relaxation during a longer period of treatment asdetermined by a master timer. In order to augment the therapeutic actionof the table, a series of rollers protrude through an aperture in thetable top for engaging the patient as the top reciprocates, and heatingmeans is mounted below the rollers for applying heat through theaperture and to the patient. In addition, there is provided means tovibrate the top as it reciprocates. The rollers are resiliently mountedfor retraction downwardly through the aperture and a filler block issized to be received in the aperture and supported on the rollers forconverting the top into manipulating surface with theresiliently-supported filler block providing a desirable recoil actionduring manipulation. A pair of brackets each having a series of socketsis mounted to the support below the top for receiving leg rollerstanchions so that the position of the leg rollers may be adjustedlengthwise of thetable.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention should become apparent from the following description whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a therapeutic table embodying the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the table illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 2 to illustrate a heating element and a pair of limit switchesbelow the top of the table;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 4 to illustrate an actuator depending from the table top forengaging the limit switches as the top reciprocates;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of the table of FIG. 1 butillustrating a filler block installed in an aperture in the table top;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 toillustrate the filler block being supported by rollers retracted belowthe top of the table;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a control circuit which is utilized inthe present invention for enabling an attendant to select the homeposition of the top; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a modified control circuit which may beutilized in conjunction with a treatment table having a reciprocatingtop.

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 atherapeutic table 10 which embodies the present invention. In theillustrated embodiment, the table 10 has a flat rectangular top 11 whichis mounted on an elongated upstanding support 12. Apparatus for applyingtraction to a patient lying on the top 11 is indicated generally at 13and 18. The apparatus 13 is removably mounted at either end of thesupport 12 by means of clamping brackets 14 and 15, respectively, andincludes a strap 16 which is adapted to be secured by a conventionalharness to a patient lying on the top 11. An operator 17 permits theamount of traction applied by the strap 16 to be adjusted by anattendant. The traction apparatus which is indicated generally at 18 issecured to the top 11 at a location remote from the traction apparatus13 and includes a strap 19 which is adapted to be secured to the patientby means of a conventional harness assembly which is not shown. For amore detailed discussion as to the structure and operation of thetraction apparatus 13 and 18, reference is made to the aforementionedUS. Pat. No. 2,822,805.

As in the above-noted patent, the top 11 of the table 10 of the presentinvention is mounted for reciprocation longitudinally relative to thesupport 12. For this purpose, a series of rollers 20,20 are interposedbetween the underside of the top 11 and the side rails 12a,12a of thesupport 12 (see FIG. 3), and a motor 21 is mounted inside the support 12and is connected through a drive assembly 22 to a speed reducer 23having an arm 24 which rotates about a horizontal axis. A link 25 isconnected at one end to the arm 24 and at the other end to a pivotconnection 26 on the underside of the top 11. Thus, when the motor 21 isenergized, the top 11 reciprocates through one complete cycle each timethe arm 24 makes a complete revolution.

In using the table 10, the traction apparatus 13 and 18 is connected inthe customary manner to a patient lying on the table 11. For example,the apparatus 18 may be connected to the cervical or thoracic portion ofthe patients body, and the apparatus 13 may be connected to the lumbaror lower back portion of the body. Thus, a patient lying on the table 11and connected to the traction apparatus 13 and 18 as described aboveundergoes alternating periods of traction when the motor 21 is energizedand the top 11 reciprocates between its rightwardmost and leftwardmostlimit positlons.

As discussed in US. Pat. No. 2,822,805, a desirable therapeutic actionmay be affected in this manner, and as described thus far the table 10and its associated apparatus is conventional.

The patient lying on the top 11 normally undergoes the alternatingtraction treatment for a predetermined period of time, and for thispurpose, a timer switch indicated at T in FIG. 8 is provided to powerthe motor 21 for preselected periods of time. The time period isselected by means of a dial 27 which is located on the front of thetable-support 12 at about its vertical median. Depending upon thelocation of the top 11 at the completion of a time period, a patientlying on the top 11 may or may not be in a state of traction. Forinstance, if the top 11 were to stop when in its leftward limit positionwhile the patient was undergoing lumbar traction with the tractionapparatus 13 and 18 connected as described above, an undesirable amountof traction may be applied to the patient if an attendant is not presentto discontinue operation of the traction apparatus at the completion ofthe time period.

In accordance with the present invention, control means is provided toprevent an undesirable amount of traction from being applied by causingthe top 11 to return to a home position which corresponds to a relaxedor untractioned state for the patient on the table. In the illustratedembodiment, the control means operates to return the top 11 to itsrightwardmost limit position indicated in broken lines in FIG. 2. Asbest seen in FIG. 8, the control means comprises a circuit 30 having aplug 31 which is adapted to be inserted in an electrical receptacle forapplying a voltage across lines 30a and 30b. The motor 21 indicated as Min FIG. 8 is connected to the line 30a through a pair of normally-closedlimit switches 32 and 33 and to the line 30b through a three-positionselector switch 34. The switch 34 has two terminals 34a and 34b, towhich the limit switches 32 and 33 respectively, are connected. Thetimer switch T is connected across the terminals 34a and 34b, and thecommon terminal of the switch 34 is connected to the line 30b. Thecentral or neutral position 34e of the switch 34 is unconnected in thecircuit 30.

As may be seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the limit switches 32 and 33 aremounted in spaced relation to the support 12 below the top 11. Anactuator 35 is mounted to the underside of the top 11 and dependstherefrom to engage the operating arms 32a and 33a of the limit switches32 and 33, respectively. The limit switches 32 and 33 are spaced fromone another a distance which is slightly less than the totaldisplacement of the top 11 so that the actuator 35 engages the operatingarms 32a and 33a each time the top 11 reciprocates. It is noted that thelimit switch arm 33a is engaged when the top is in its rightwardmostlimit position, and the limit switch arm 32a is engaged when the top isin its leftwardmost limit position. For the convenience of theattendant, the selector switch 34 is mounted on the front of the support12 in close proximity with the dial 27 of the timer switch T.

In use, an attendant secures the traction apparatus 13 and 18 in thecustomary manner to a patient lying on the top 1 1. For instance, if thepatient were lying on the top 11 with the lumbar or lower portion of hisbody connected to the traction apparatus 13, it would be desirable forthe top 11 to stop in its rightwardmost limit position indicated inbroken lines in FIG. 2 at the completion of the desired time period. Toinsure this, the attendant displaces the selector switch 34 rightwardinto the position indicated in full lines in FIG. 8, and reciprocationof the top 11 is initiated when the dial 27 is turned to the desiredtime setting. If the top 11 is in its rightwardmost limit position whenthe timer switch T is set, the limit switch 33 is held open by theactuator 35, and current flows through the selector switch 34, the timerT, the left limit switch 32, and the motor M to initiate reciprocationof the top 11. Of course, if the top 11 were in its leftward limitposition when the selector switch 34 is displaced rightward, the motor Mwould be energized for a short period of time to cause the top 11 tomove rightward into its rightwardmost limit position. The same actionoccurs if the top 11 stops in its rightwardmost position and theselector switch 34 is displaced leftward before the timer switch T isset.

When the motor 21 is energized and the table top 11 reciprocates, thelimit switches 32 and 33 are periodically opened when engaged by theactuator 35. It is noted that periodic opening of the left limit switch32 does not interupt power to the motor M since power continuity ismaintained by virtue of the normallyclosed position of the right limitswitch 33 for that portion of the reciprocating cycle that the actuatoris disengaged therefrom. At the completion of a preset time interval theelectrical path through the timer switch T is opened; however, the motor21 continues to be pow- It should be apparent that the top 11 can bemade to stop in its leftwardmost limit position simply by displacing theselector switch 34 leftward into the position indicated in broken linesin FIG. 8. With this structure an attendant is able to avoid thepossibility that an undesirable amount of traction may be applied to thepatient.

In order to augment the therapeutic action effected by virtue of theperiodic application of traction, the top 11 is provided with anelongated aperture 11a, and two pairs of rollers, 36,36 and 37,37 whichproject upwardly through the apertue 11a (see FIG. 2). The rollers, suchas the pair 36,36 are mounted in spaced relation on a common axle 38,and as best seen in FIG. 3, the ends of the axle 38 engage the tops ofcompression springs 40,40 which are retained in upstanding retainingtubes 39,39. A rack and pinion gear assembly indicated generally at 41is provided for raising and lowering the wheels 36,36, and an operatinghandle 42 is provided on the front of the support 12 to permit anattendant to raise and lower the wheels 36,36. It is noted that thewheels 37,37 are mounted in a similar fashion. Both pairs of wheels arenormally raised as to protrude slightly above the top 11 for engaging apatient along his spinal column when lying backdown on the top 11. Ithas been found that the action of the rollers on the body as the topreciprocates provides a highly desirable therapeutic effect.

In accordance with another object of the present invention, there isprovided means to apply heat through the aperture 11a and to the patientlying on the top 11. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the heat isgenerated by a heating element 45 which is mounted in a housing 46located below and between the pairs of wheels 36 and 37. The housing 46and the heating element 45 are elongated and extend lengthwise of thetable 10 substantially centrally of the aperture 11a. Preferably, thehousing has a U-shaped transverse cross-section and is open at itsopposite ends and top for permitting air to circulate upwardly acrossthe heating element 45 and through the aperture 110. The heating element45 is wired in the circuit of FIG. 8 with a separate power switch 47 toenable the table 10 to be used with or without heat.

In order further to enhance the therapeutic action of the table 10, avibrator 48 is mounted in the support 12 for vibrating the top 11 as itreciprocates. As may be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the vibrator 48 isfastened onto a frame element 49 which extends widthwise of the support12 adjacent the rollers 36 and 37. Of course, the vibrator 48 may bemounted at some other location. It is noted that the vibrator 48 isconnected in the circuit of FIG. 8 with a separate power switch 50 toenable the vibrator to be used selectively depending on the therapeuticeffect desired.

The table 10 is capable of being used as a stationary treatment ormanipulating table. For this purpose, a filler block (FIG. 6) isinstalled in the aperture 11a, and as best seen in FIG. 7, the fillerblock 55 rests on top of the rollers 36 and 37 to provide the table 10with a substantially planar manipulating surface. It has been found thatwhen the rollers 36 and 37 are not completely retracted so that the topsurface of the filler block 55 is raised slightly above the surface ofthe top 11 a desirable recoil action occurs when a patient is beingmanipulated. It is noted that the filler block 55 has an elongatedrecess 55a which extends inwardly from the narrow end of the block 55 toserve as a breathing space for patient in prone position and to enablethe block 55 to be inserted and withdrawn readily from the aperture 11a.

As another feature, the treatment table of the present invention has apair of leg rollers 60,60 which are designed to engage and massage thelegs and/or thighs of the patient as the top reciprocates. As best seenin FIGS. 1 and 2, the rollers 60,60 are mounted on a common axle 61which overlies and extends transversely to the top 1 1. The axle 61 issupported at its ends by a pair of stanchions 62,62 the lower ends ofwhich are removably received in sockets 63a,63a in a pair of brackets63,63 mounted on opposite sides of the support 12 below the top 11. Inthe illustrated embodiment, each bracket 63 has a series of four socketsand as may be seen in FIG. 1, the brackets extend outwardly from thesides of the support a slight distance to permit the stanchions to clearthe side edges of the top 11. With this structure, the leg rollers maybe adjusted relatively quickly and easily into at least four differentlocations.

If desired, the heater 45 and/or the vibrator 48 may be wired with theirswitches 47 and 50, respectively, in parallel with the motor 21 betweenthe line 30a and the limit switches 32 and 33 so that current to them isalso interrupted at the completion of a predetermined time period.

In accordance with another object of the present invention, a modifiedcontrol circuit is provided so that a patient may undergo relativelyshort periods of sustained traction and/or relaxation while undergoingtreatment. To this end, a pair of auxiliary solid state timer switches T1 and T (FIG. 9) are connected in parallel with one another and inseries with a master timer T across power lines 130a and 13%. A pair ofnormally-open limit switches 132 and 133 are mounted in the table andare activated in a manner similar to the switches 32 and 33 describedabove. The switch 132 is connected to the timer T and the switch 133 isconnected to the timer T the timers T and T being internally constructedto start counting when their associated switches are closed. The outputsof the timers T and T are both connected to the coil of a relay CR andthe relay CR has normally-closed contacts connected in series relationwith a motor M which reciprocates the top as described above. Thus,activation of either timer upon closing of its limit switch energizesthe coil of relay CR 1 to open its contacts for interrupting power tothe motor M for a period of time as determined by the setting of theauxiliary timers. Preferably, the timers T and T are adjustable toperiods of time shorter than the period of treatment afforded by themaster timer. As a result, either timer T or T may be set to arrestmotion of the top at either its rightwardmost or leftwardmost limitposition for a brief period of time before continuing reciprocation ofthe top. Hence, the patient may undergo brief periods of continuoustraction and/or relaxation within the overall period of treatment.

In view of the foregoing, it should be apparent that there has now beenprovided a treatment table which is very safe in operation and whichprovides an improved therapeutic action when in use.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, various modifications, alterations and changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention asdefined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a therapeutic table including a stationary support, tractive meansmounted to said support for securement to a person, a top mounted tosaid support for horizontal displacement relative to the support andsaid tractive means between one limit position corresponding to anuntensioned state and another limit position corresponding to atensioned state, electricallyenergized means connected to said top forreciprocating said top between said alternate limit positions, and timerswitch means connected to said reciprocating means for energizing saidreciprocating means for a preselected time, the improvement comprising:means associated with the said reciprocating means and timer forautomatically arresting movement of said top in said one limit positionafter the completion of said preselected period of time, whereby theperson is in an untensioned state when the table stops reciprocating.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said automatic means includesswitch means connected to said reciprocating means and operable whensaid top is out of said one limit position to continue to power saidreciprocating means after said timer ceases to power said reciprocatingmeans, and means for actuating said switch means when said top reachessaid one limit position to deactivate said reciprocating means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said switch means includesapair of limit switches associated with said top, and said actuator meansincludes a pair of actuators for engaging said limit switches, meansmounting said limit switches for movement relative to said actuators assaid top reciprocates, and including a selector switch connected to saidlimit switches for rendering a selected one operable to continue topower said reciprocating means after the completion of said preselectedtime period and until engaged by its associated actuator.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein each of said pair of limitswitches has a normally-closed position, and said selector switch hastwo contact positions and a common pole, said timer switch beingconnected across said contact positions and said normally-closed limitswitches being connected to said contact positions in series with saidelectrically-energized reciprocating means, so that when the selectorswitch is positioned in one of its contact positions, current flowsthrough the corresponding limit switch after the timer switch opens andinterrupts flow through the other limit switch, whereby the top isarrested at the limit position corresponding to the location of thelimit switch connected to said contact position.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 including an aperture in said tabletop, a set of rollers having peripheral portions projecting upwardlythrough said aperture for engaging the person when lying on the top, andheating means mounted in said support adjacent said aperture forapplying heat through said aperture and to said person.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said heating means includes aheating element located in said support and housing means containingsaid heating element for directing heated air upwardly between therollers.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 including means in said supportmounting said rollers for vertical displacement, and a filler blocksized to be removably received in said aperture and supported by saidrollers.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said roller-mounting meansincludes elastic means mounting said rollers to said support so thatsaid filler block and rollers cooperate to react resiliently as theperson is being treated on the table.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support has upstandingsides, and including a bracket mounted to each side below said top withsaid brackets being elongated in the direction of the top and having aseries of spaced sockets, and leg-support roller means overlying andextending transversely to said top, said roller means having a pair ofmembers depending alongside the edges of the top and mounted in selectedones of said sockets, so that the position of the legsupport rollermeans may be readily adjusted longitudinally of the table top.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for vibrating'saidtop as said top reciprocates.

11. In a therapeutic table including a stationary support, tractivemeans mounted to said support for securement to a person, a top mountedto said support for horizontal displacement relative to the support andsaid tractive means, electrically-energized means connected to said topfor reciprocating said top between alternate limit positions, and mastertimer switch means connected to said reciprocating means for energizingsaid reciprocating means for a preselected period of time, theimprovement comprising: auxiliary timer switch means associated withsaid master timer switch means and said reciprocating means forautomatically arresting movement of said top in at least one of saidlimit positions and reactivating movement of said top after the lapse ofa period of time less than said preselected period of time.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11 including limit switch meansassociated with said auxiliary timer switch means and operable when saidtop is in said one limit position to actuate said auxiliary timer switch10 means for counting said lesser period of time.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 including actuator means forengaging said limit switch when said top is in said one limit positionand means mounting said limit switch for movement relative to saidactuator means as said top reciprocates.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said auxiliary timer switchmeans includes a pair of auxiliary timers associated with saidreciprocating means and said master timer with said auxiliary timerseach corresponding to one of said limit positions, and including a limitswitchassociated with each of said auxiliary timers and operable whensaid top is in one of said limit positions to actuate the correspondingauxiliary timer.

vation of either of said auxiliary timers.

1. In a therapeutic table including a stationary support, tractive meansmounted to said support for securement to a person, a top mounted tosaid support for horizontal displacement relative to the support andsaid tractive means between one limit position corresponding to anuntensioned state and another limit position corresponding to atensioned state, electricallyenergized means connected to said top forreciprocating said top between said alternate limit positions, and timerswitch means connected to said reciprocating means for energizing saidreciprocating means for a preselected time, the improvement comprising:means associated with the said reciprocating means and timer forautomatically arresting movement of said top in said one limit positionafter the completion of said preselected period of time, whereby theperson is in an untensioned state when the table stops reciprocating. 2.Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said automatic means includesswitch means connected to said reciprocating means and operable whensaid top is out of said one limit position to continue to power saidreciprocating means after said timer ceases to power said reciprocatingmeans, and means for actuating said switch means when said top reachessaid one limit position to deactivate said reciprocating means. 3.Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said switch means includes a pairof limit switches associated with said top, and said actuator meansincludes a pair of actuators for engaging said limit switches, meansmounting said limit switches for movement relative to said actuators assaid top reciprocates, and including a selector switch connected to saidlimit switches for rendering a selected one operable to continue topower said reciprocating means after the completion of said preselectedtime period and until engaged by its associated actuator.
 4. Apparatusaccording to claim 3 wherein each of said pair of limit switches has anormally-closed position, and said selector switch has two contactpositions and a common pole, said timer switch being connected acrosssaid contact positions and said normally-closed limit switches beingconnected to said contact positions in series with saidelectrically-energized reciprocating means, so that when the selectorswitch is positioned in one of its contact positions, current flowsthrough the corresponding limit switch after the timer switch opens andinterrupts flow through the other limit switch, whereby the top isarrested at the limit position corresponding to the location of thelimit switch connected to said contact position.
 5. Apparatus accordingto claim 1 including an aperture in said table top, a set of rollershaving peripheral portions projecting upwardly through said aperture forengaging the person when lying on the top, and heating means mounted insaid support adjacent said aperture for applying heat through saidaperture and to said person.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 5 whereinsaid heating means includes a heating element located in said supportand housing means containing said heating element for directing heatedair upwardly between the rollers.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 5including means in said support mounting said rollers for verticaldisplacement, and a filler block sized to be removably received in saidaperture and supported by said rollers.
 8. Apparatus according to claim7 wherein said roller-mounting means includes elastic means mountingsaid rollers to said support so that said filler block and rollerscooperate to react resiliently as the person is being treated on thetable.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support hasupstanding sides, and including a bracket mounted to each side belowsaid top with said brackets being elongated in the direction of the topand having a series of spaced sockets, and leg-support roller meansoverlying and extending transversely to said top, said roller meanshaving a pair of members depending alongside the edges of the top andmounted in selected ones of said sockets, so that the position of theleg-support roller means may be readily adjusted longitudinally of thetable top.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 1 including means forvibrating said top as said top reciprocates.
 11. In a therapeutic tableincluding a stationary support, tractive means mounted to said supportfor securement to a person, a top mounted to said support for horizontaldisplacement relative to the support and said tractive means,electrically-energized means connected to said top for reciprocatingsaid top between alternate limit positions, and master timer switchmeans connected to said reciprocating means for energizing saidreciprocating means for a preselected period of time, the improvementcomprising: auxiliary timer switch means associated with said mastertimer switch means and said reciprocating means for automaticallyarresting movement of said top in at least one of said limit positionsand reactivating movement of said top after the lapse of a period oftime less than said preselected period of time.
 12. Apparatus accordingto claim 11 including limit switch means associated with said auxiliarytimer switch means and operable when said top is in said one limitposition to actuate said auxiliary timer switch means for counting saidlesser period of time.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 12 includingactuator means for engaging said limit switch when said top is in saidone limit position and means mounting said limit switch for movementrelative to said actuator means as said top reciprocates.
 14. Apparatusaccording to claim 13 wherein said auxiliary timer switch means includesa pair of auxiliary timers associated with said reciprocating means andsaid master timer with said auxiliary timers each corresponding to oneof said limit positions, and including a limiT switch associated witheach of said auxiliary timers and operable when said top is in one ofsaid limit positions to actuate the corresponding auxiliary timer. 15.Apparatus according to claim 14 including a relay having normally-closedcontacts connected in series relation with said electrically-energizedmeans and a coil connected to both of said auxiliary timers for openingsaid contacts for said period of time upon activation of either of saidauxiliary timers.